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High-performance machining is always the result of perfect interplay between several components, such as the CAM system, machine tool and cutting tool. This particularly applies to the hyperMILL MAXX Machining performance package. The module in the hyperMILL CAD/CAM suite features special machining strategies that make it possible to take full advantage of the machine tool and its cutting tools. Simultaneously, the sophisticated machining methods are extremely cutter-friendly.

The hyperMILL MAXX Machining performance package offers powerful 2D, 3D, and 5-axis high-performance cutting strategies (HPC) for roughing. Climb milling is used along trochoidal toolpaths, and full cuts and abrupt changes in direction are prevented. This makes the machining very gentle on the tool. No Expensive special tools are not required. When commercially available end mills, ball nose end mills and indexable insert cutters are used, a high material removal rate can be achieved along with a long tool life. During 5-axis helical drilling, milling tools that are not center cutting can also be used to open large cavities without any pre-drilling. This method even allows hard materials such as stainless steels and titanium, or components made of nickel-based alloys, to be machined quickly and effectively using standard tools.

Helping to Shape Tool Trends

An increasing number of tool manufacturers are including large- radiused barrel cutters in their portfolio. Open Mind helped to shape this trend. As the benchmark, Open Mind offers its 5-axis tangent plane machining strategy for use with conical barrel cutters - the perfect combination for the high-performance machining. Compared to conventional methods, conical barrel cutters can achieve cycle time time savings of up to 90 percent with this hyperMILL MAXX Machining strategy, as the large curvature radii of the milling tool allows considerably greater distances between paths while ensuring the same surface quality as traditionally made with ball endmill.

Outlook

Open Mind has already announced that turning will be supported in the upcoming hyperMILL MAXX Machining Version 2019.1. Machining is performed in zig-zag movements with significant higher feed rates compared to the conventional methods whilst improved cut division in narrow areas helps to extend the life of the tool.

A new corner filleting function is planned in the area of 5-axis tangent machining. This function is designed to ensure the simple programming of radii at surface boundaries. Here, optimized grinding cycles will guarantee seamless transitions and the very best surface quality.